Week 9 - Mixed Methods Approaches (Core Notes)

Question 1

How do you find the right research design for a mixed methods study?

Answer 1

Ask two questions;

1. Are you going to use quantities and qualitative methods at the same time/one after the other?
2. Are you going to use both kinds of methods to the same degree/use one more than the other?

Question 2

Mixed methods categories of design

Answer 2

Time order;

Concurrent: quantitative and qualitative conducted same time
Sequential: conducted one after another

Paradigm emphasis;

Equal status: approaches assigned equal emphasis
Dominant status: one being assigned primary emphasis

Question 3

Types of validity in mixed methods research

Answer 3

Inside out validity: when research provides both insider and objective outsider perspectives.
Weakness minimisation validity: present when research compensates for the weaknesses of approach with additional approach
Sequential validity: Refers to making sure that the ordering of quantitative and qualitative design does not bias results
Sample integration validity: Researchers must not treat quantitative and qualitative samples as equal, but draw appropriate conclusions from each sample.
Multiple validities: Making sure your study meets appropriate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods validity types.